Strategic Merchandising Advisor – Contract Customer Portfolio – GSC Operations – United States

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a world‑class leader in foodservice distribution, delivering fresh, frozen, and specialty products to a diverse network of restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other institutional customers. With a workforce of more than 70,000 dedicated professionals and a modern fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, arenaflex operates a sophisticated logistics network that spans hundreds of distribution centers across the globe. Our mission is to empower every customer to create memorable dining experiences while driving sustainable growth for our partners.

At arenaflex, we believe that great food starts with great people. We invest heavily in talent development, innovative technology, and a culture that celebrates collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, data‑driven environment and are passionate about shaping the future of foodservice merchandising, this is the place to make an impact.

Position Overview

The Strategic Merchandising Advisor – Contract Customer Portfolio supports the Manager, Merchandising Contract Customers by owning the end‑to‑end analysis, execution, and optimization of merchandising processes that enhance the experience of our contract customers. This role blends rigorous data analysis, process stewardship, and proactive stakeholder communication to ensure service levels, profitability, and customer satisfaction are consistently met or exceeded.

While the majority of the work is internal—driving process excellence and data‑centric decision making—occasional direct interactions with contract customers are required to address specific needs, resolve issues, and reinforce arenaflex’s commitment to partnership excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Process Execution & Assortment Management

• Execute defined merchandising workflows, including the creation, validation, and maintenance of supplier data across business events, ensuring data integrity and adherence to project timelines.
• Monitor weekly readiness reports and assortment trackers to maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce out‑of‑stock situations, and safeguard service level agreements.
• Identify recurring service level concerns, initiate escalation protocols, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement corrective actions swiftly.
• Partner with the Operational & Field Merchandising teams to align on product placement, promotional calendars, and seasonal assortment strategies.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct deep‑dive analyses of merchandising processes, customer experience metrics, and assortment performance to surface trends, gaps, and opportunities.
• Develop and present clear, data‑driven reports to the Manager, Merchandising Contract Customers and senior stakeholders, translating complex data sets into actionable insights.
• Recommend process enhancements, automation opportunities, and technology upgrades that streamline operations and elevate both customer and associate experiences.
• Maintain a repository of best‑practice documentation, SOPs, and performance dashboards for continuous reference and improvement.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders—including Operational & Field Merchandising, Customer Experience (CeX) teams, and supply chain partners—to ensure alignment on merchandising initiatives.
• Facilitate regular cross‑functional meetings, status updates, and issue‑resolution sessions, fostering transparent communication and collaborative problem solving.
• Provide timely updates to all organizational levels, ensuring that strategic objectives, performance metrics, and improvement plans are clearly understood.
• Act as an advocate for contract customers, translating their feedback into concrete action items that drive satisfaction and loyalty.

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Support the Manager in identifying, prioritizing, and executing continuous improvement projects that enhance assortment management, operational efficiency, and profitability.
• Collaborate with IT, analytics, and supply chain teams to design, test, and roll out new tools, dashboards, and workflow automations.
• Document and disseminate best practices, ensuring that knowledge is captured and shared across the merchandising organization.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive benchmarks to keep arenaflex at the forefront of merchandising innovation.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; additional coursework or certifications in business analytics, supply chain management, or related fields is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 2–4 years of experience in foodservice, B2B merchandising, or a comparable environment where data analysis and process execution were core responsibilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros), PowerPoint, and Word; familiarity with Salesforce, SUS, RME, DPR, and other reporting platforms.
• Analytical Ability: Demonstrated capability to synthesize large data sets, identify patterns, and translate findings into strategic recommendations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Proven track record of managing multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering results with minimal supervision.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across functional areas, building strong relationships and influencing outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, or a related discipline.
• Experience with advanced analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, SQL) and data visualization.
• Prior exposure to contract‑based customer portfolios within the foodservice or hospitality sectors.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or similar process‑improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable embracing change, driving innovation, and taking ownership of outcomes.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Quantitative Problem Solving: Ability to dissect complex problems, apply statistical techniques, and develop data‑driven solutions.
• Technology Savvy: Comfort with adopting new software tools, automating workflows, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance efficiency.
• Customer‑Centric Focus: Commitment to delivering exceptional service experiences and building long‑term partnerships.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to see the big picture, align daily activities with broader business objectives, and anticipate future needs.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities shift and new challenges arise.

Career Growth & Development

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional growth of its employees. As a Strategic Merchandising Advisor, you will have access to:

• Structured mentorship programs with senior merchandising leaders.
• Continuous learning opportunities, including internal training modules, industry conferences, and tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications.
• Clear career pathways toward senior advisory roles, merchandising management, or cross‑functional leadership positions within supply chain, analytics, or sales.
• Opportunities to lead high‑visibility projects that directly influence company‑wide merchandising strategy.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑energy workplace where ideas are encouraged and achievements are celebrated. Our culture is built on:

• Teamwork: Cross‑functional collaboration is the norm; you’ll work closely with operations, logistics, technology, and customer experience teams.
• Innovation: We champion creative problem solving and continuously explore new tools and processes to stay ahead of market trends.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A diverse workforce fuels our success; we are committed to creating an environment where every voice is heard.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, remote‑work options for certain tasks, and generous paid time off support personal well‑being.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive salary range of $70,700 – $106,100 per year, commensurate with experience, skill set, and performance. In addition to base pay, you may be eligible for:

• Annual performance bonuses tied to individual and company goals.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings options, including 401(k) matching contributions.
• Paid parental leave, disability coverage, and life insurance.
• Employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and on‑site fitness facilities at many locations.
• Travel reimbursement for the modest 5% travel required to visit key contract customers and regional hubs.
• Recognition programs that celebrate innovation, teamwork, and outstanding service delivery.

Physical Demands & Accessibility

While the role is primarily office‑based, occasional site visits may require moderate physical activity. arenaflex is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all essential functions can be performed effectively.

Application Process

If you are ready to leverage your analytical expertise, merchandising acumen, and collaborative spirit to drive exceptional outcomes for arenaflex’s contract customers, we invite you to apply today. Join a forward‑thinking organization where your contributions directly shape the future of foodservice distribution.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and become a valued member of the arenaflex family.